BY ORDER OF THE
SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
POLICY DIRECTIVE 51-12
12 JANUARY 2023
Law
NEGOTIATION AND DISPUTE
RESOLUTION
COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY
ACCESSIBILITY: Publications and forms are available on the e-Publishing website at
www.e-Publishing.af.mil for downloading or ordering.
RELEASABILITY: There are no releasability restrictions on this publication.
OPR: SAF/GCR Certified by: SAF/GC
(Mr. Peter J. Beshar)
Supersedes: AFPD 51-12, 5 June 2018 Pages: 5
This policy directive implements and establishes additional responsibilities related to the
Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996, 5 United States Code (U.S.C.) 571, et seq. and
Department of Defense (DoD) instruction 5145.05, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and
Conflict Management. This publication applies to Department of the Air Force civilian
employees and uniformed members of the United States Space Force, the Regular Air Force,
the Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard on federal active-duty status under Title 10,
U.S. Code.
Ensure all records generated as a result of processes prescribed in this publication adhere to Air
Force instruction (AFI) 33-322, Records Management and Information Governance Program, and
are disposed in accordance with the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule, which is located in
the Air Force Records Management Information System. Refer recommended changes and
questions about this publication to the office of primary responsibility using the Department of the
Air Force Form 847, Recommendation for Change of Publication; route Department of the Air
Force Forms 847 from the field through the appropriate functional chain of command.
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
This document has been substantially revised and needs to be completely reviewed. Major changes
include updating language to reflect applicability to the United States Space Force; identifying the
Deputy General Counsel for Contractor Responsibility and Conflict Resolution (SAF/GCR) as the
Dispute Resolution Specialist of the Department of the Air Force; including responsibilities and
